Review: Hot Sardines @ The Egg, 9/30/16

ALBANY — The rock-era swing revival probably hit its peak on Jan. 31, 1999, when Big Bad Voodoo Daddy played the halftime show at Super Bowl XXXIII. But that doesn’t mean that it’s over.

In fact, New York City’s Hot Sardines swung into The Egg’s Swyer Theatre on Friday evening, the same night the like-minded Postmodern Jukebox was playing down the street at the Palace Theatre. The difference between the two bands is that while Postmodern Jukebox re-interprets today’s contemporary pop hits in vintage style and arrangements, the Hot Sardines go all in, reviving the songs as well as the sounds of the bygone era.

Led by pianist Evan Palazzo and chanteuse Elizabeth Bougerol, the eight-member band — featuring a three-piece horn section and, yes, even a tap dancer — swing-swang-swung through an 85-minute concert filled with gems from yesteryear.

****Concert review The Hot Sardines When: 7:30 p.m. FridayWhere: The Egg, the Empire State Plaza, AlbanyHighlights: “Big Chief,” “Struttin’ With Some Barbecue,” “Cute”Length: 85 minutes; no opening act and no intermissionThe crowd: As loud and enthusiastic as they were, the theater was only half full.